2nd Annual Cast + Blast Event Celebrates Tremendous Success in Honoring Wounded Veterans on Lake Oconee

The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (GA SCI) and Glasslined Technologies, Inc., in partnership with the Lake Oconee Elks Lodge 2849, successfully concluded the 2nd Annual Wounded Veterans 'Cast + Blast' Event from October 18-20, 2024. This special three-day event honored 60 wounded veterans from all over the state of Georgia, with a weekend filled with outdoor activities, camaraderie, and heartfelt tributes to their service. 

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the 2024 'Cast and Blast' was designed to honor and support veterans, many of whom have received Purple Hearts for their service. Veterans and their families enjoyed meals, accommodations, and all activities at no cost, as a gesture of gratitude for their service to our country.  

"The Georgia Chapter of SCI is committed to supporting our men and women in uniform," said Dick Caillouet, Vice President and Chairman of Wounded Veterans Events for Georgia SCI. "This event is our way of giving back to these heroes and showing them that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed." 

The weekend kicked off with the Veterans Honor Ride on Friday, October 18th, which brought together the local community in a moving display of support for the veterans. The ride began at 10:00 AM at The Home Depot in Greensboro and followed an 11-mile route to the Lake Oconee Elks Lodge in Eatonton. Local police escorted the ride to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone involved, while firefighters and firetrucks proudly displayed 10 by 15 feet American flags, saluting the veterans as they passed. Spectators lined the route at designated cheer points with flags, water bottles, and candy. These were distributed to those gathered as they waved and cheered on the veterans and riders. The strong community turnout made the Honor Ride a powerful tribute to those who have served. 
 
"This event was our way of honoring the heroes who have sacrificed for our freedom," said James Lakeman, CEO of Glasslined Technologies, Inc. “Witnessing the community gather together to support these veterans was genuinely inspiring. This event not only profoundly impacted the veterans, offering them camaraderie and a sense of appreciation, but it also resonated deeply with community members, fostering a powerful sense of unity, gratitude, and support for those who have served our country.” 
 
After the Honor Ride, the veterans were treated to a private luncheon at the Lake Oconee Elks Lodge, where they enjoyed a delicious meal and camaraderie with fellow veterans. The highlight of the luncheon was guest speaker Sergeant Mike Reynolds, founder of Hero Agriculture, who captivated the audience with inspiring stories from his military experiences and heartfelt anecdotes, reconnecting with old platoon members in a powerful moment of shared memories. Following this uplifting gathering, the afternoon continued with an exciting trip to Old Hudson Plantation, where the veterans engaged in target shooting, further fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among them. 

On Saturday, October 19th, veterans enjoyed a full day of fishing on Lake Oconee, taking advantage of the beautiful weather and engaging in some friendly competition. The day culminated with a relaxing dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Oconee, featuring live music by local MaCayla Hodges, a delicious meal catered by Iron Fork Café, and homemade desserts generously donated by friends and family. During the cruise, an awards ceremony was held, where veterans were recognized for their achievements in both fishing and clay shooting. Trophies were awarded in categories such as "Most Fish Caught," "Biggest Fish Caught," "Most Clays Hit," and other honors, celebrating the veterans' skills and adding a special touch to an already memorable evening. Additionally, raffle prizes donated by local businesses brought excitement to the event, enhancing the sense of community support and appreciation for these deserving heroes. 

The event concluded on Sunday, October 20th with breakfast and a sendoff. This included heartfelt remarks from many of the veterans, who shared how these events have changed their lives by offering genuine support and appreciation. One Vietnam veteran with two Purple Hearts said, "This is the first time I’ve felt true American support in many years."  

The Georgia Chapter of SCI, Lake Oconee Elks Lodge 2849, and Glasslined Technologies are committed to continuing these events in the years to come, ensuring that veterans and their families can experience the healing power of nature and community. "As long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them. This year's Cast & Blast was an unforgettable celebration, made possible by the tireless dedication of volunteers and the generous support of local organizations. Their commitment ensured a day that paid meaningful tribute to our veterans and strengthened our community bonds," shared Elks Lodge President, John White. 

“We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the incredible community for their outstanding support in making the 2nd Annual Cast + Blast event a tremendous success. The overwhelming turnout and participation during the Veterans Honor Ride and throughout the weekend highlighted the deep appreciation our community has for these brave veterans. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, including Ace Hardware, Chick-fil-A, Home Depot, and many others, whose generous contributions made this event possible. Your support allowed us to provide a memorable experience for these veterans, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”- James Lakeman, CEO of Glasslined Technologies, Inc. 

If you are interested in donating, volunteering, or contributing to the 2025 Cast + Blast event, please reach out to James Lakeman, Chairman of the joint SCI/Elks organizing committee, at James@gasslined.us. Your support will help make this event a success, and any form of contribution—whether through financial donations, hands-on volunteering, or other means—is greatly appreciated. Cast + Blast relies on the generosity and enthusiasm of its community, and your involvement can make a meaningful difference in its continued success.